Post-Davos Briefing: Is Dialogue Still Feasible?

Following attendance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Ilya Ponomarev joins for an in-depth discussion of the key outcomes, signals, and strategic implications of this year’s forum.

The 2026 meeting, convened under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” brought together global political, economic, and technology leaders amid accelerating geopolitical fragmentation, rapid AI deployment, and growing pressure on international institutions. This conversation will examine what Davos revealed about elite thinking on war and peace, global governance, economic resilience, and the future of cooperation — as well as what remained unsaid.

Drawing on direct engagement with policymakers, investors, and strategists, Ponomarev will offer a candid assessment of how global power centers are recalibrating their approaches to Russia, Ukraine, technological competition, and post-conflict scenarios. The discussion will also explore whether Davos remains a meaningful agenda-setting space — or increasingly a mirror of a divided world.

Hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.
RSVP is recommended, and donations welcomed.

Ilya Ponomarev is a technology investor and political entrepreneur specializing in defense innovation, emerging technologies, and Russian elite dynamics. A former member of the Russian State Duma — and the only deputy to vote against the annexation of Crimea — he chaired the Innovation and Venture Capital Subcommittee, integrating venture-capital and technology perspectives into state policy.

After breaking with the Kremlin, Ponomarev relocated to Ukraine, where he became directly involved in the country’s wartime defense and innovation ecosystem, including drone development, dual-use technologies, and scaling battlefield solutions into global markets. He works closely with Ukrainian political, military, and technology leaders, providing a rare frontline view of the war’s strategic, economic, and technological dimensions.

Now based between Ukraine and Washington, Ponomarev is a leading voice of the Russian democratic opposition and a commentator on post-Putin transition scenarios, global governance, and the geopolitical tradeoffs surrounding war, peace, and international cooperation.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Free Peoples of Russia House, 301 Maryland Avenue Northeast, Washington, United States

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